NECSN Responds to National Alliance State Law Rankings That Show New York Slipping

Posted by Michael Strianese on 01 / 29 / 2018
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For Immediate Release: January 29, 2018

Contact: Jessica Mokhiber, (518) 573-0516, jmokhiber@necharters.org

State Charter Association Responds to National Alliance State Law Rankings That Show New York Slipping; State fell from 6th in Nation to 14th

Lawmakers have not been responsive enough to parent demand

Albany, NY – The Northeast Charter Schools Network today sent the following statement in response to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Annual Model Law Ranking that shows New York State fell in the state rankings. Several factors account for this, namely the denial of facilities funding statewide, and a cap on NYC charter schools that ignores incredible parent demand.

Northeast Charter Schools Network NYS Director Andrea Rogers said, "The report shows NY falling in the national rankings because other state laws are more responsive to the needs of students and schools. Serious problems plague our charter law, and we urge lawmakers to think aggressively and make improvements.

“The New York charter law includes some crucial facilities funding, but major shortcomings deny funding to two categories of schools: it enforces age discrimination against older New York City charter schools and ignores entirely charters in the rest of the state. And charter school growth in New York City, where need is high and waitlists are extensive, is in jeopardy because the cap hasn't been obliterated.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Charter Schools Act. There is no better way to celebrate than by taking another great leap forward and fixing these problems."

About the Northeast Charter Schools Network: The Northeast Charter Schools Network is the membership and advocacy organization for the more than 300 charter schools in New York and Connecticut. Its mission is to support and expand high quality charter schools.